Chapters in Illinois

United Spinal Chapters in Illinois

United Spinal Chapters in Illinois provide services to the Spinal Cord Injury & Disability Community by promoting health and well being, promoting inclusion and independence, organizing events and projects, advocating for rights and accessibility, and offering guidance and support to their communities.

Chapters in Illinois are self-dependent organizations that share the goals of United Spinal Association and support them within the State of Illinois.

Founded in 1979, the mission of the Spinal Cord Injury Association of Illinois (SCIA) is to serve as a comprehensive resource center for individuals who have been personally affected by paralysis, those working in related fields, and other interested persons.

Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injury can result in paralysis of the muscles used for breathing; paralysis and/or loss of feeling in all or some of the trunk, arms, and legs; weakness; numbness; loss of bowel and bladder control; and numerous secondary conditions including respiratory problems, pressure sores, and sometimes fatal spikes in blood pressure.
Approximately 12,000 new spinal cord injuries occur in the U.S. each year. A majority of injuries occur from motor vehicle accidents, falls, work-related accidents, sports injuries, and penetrations such as stab or gunshot wounds.

Our Membership Community

Our membership community provides a lifeline for many individuals that are focused on regaining their independence and improving their quality of life––whether they are leaving rehab after sustaining a spinal cord injury, learning to live with symptoms of a spinal cord disorder, or have spent years of frustration coping with disability. We provide members guidance and resources on a variety of topics they are passionate about, such as employment, affordable housing, transportation, health care, home- and community-based independent living, education, peer support, and leisure and recreation.

Ask Us

United Spinal’s Ask Us program connects you with information, resources, and access to our “Ask Us Spinal Cord Central” help center. Browse the Knowledge Books below for answers to your questions. If you can’t find what you are looking for just Ask Us and one of our knowledgeable staff will provide you with answers.